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If you’re planning on moving to Ottawa, “where to live?” is likely a question you’ve asked yourself once or twice. Our sprawling nation’s capital has consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Canada. In fact, in 2017, Ottawa was rated as the number-one best place to live in Ontario, and then in 2018, it held the second spot according to MoneySense. With its big-city vibe yet small-town feel and an incredible selection of amenities, it’s clear why Canada’s beloved capital is ranked so high, year after year. 

If you haven’t decided where to call home just yet, here are some of the best places to live in Ottawa in 2022.

Westboro

If you’re a young professional or active retiree looking for a great place to live, Westboro is one of the best options in all of Ottawa. Close to downtown, this area has become gentrified over the years, offering more of an upscale village feel. You’ll find quaint coffee shops, storefronts, fancy boutiques, cute pubs, and even a small beach to relax on in the summertime. It has a nice, laid-back vibe and is also very safe. With both condos and detached homes available in this neighbourhood, there are plenty of options to suit your lifestyle.

The Glebe

When you want to live in the heart of everything, the Glebe is the place to be. Located just south of Centretown, it’s close enough to the core but still far enough away from all the noise. The area is made up of stunning Victorian-style homes and newer condos, making for an eclectic mix of home options. Although this area is higher-priced than most, they aren’t so outlandish compared to similarly popular communities in other major Canadian cities like Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver.

Nepean

Is Nepean a good place to live? You bet! This west-end community of Ottawa is home to some of the nicest and oldest suburban areas. Once a pioneer town that was founded in 1792, Nepean has rapidly changed into a popular, sprawling suburb of over 150,000 residents. If you’re raising a family or are planning to soon, this is an excellent choice.

Kanata

Kanata is another popular hub for family living. It has a mix of rural and urban settings that offer a great variety of living options for homeowners. Speaking of which, it’s also home to one of the largest tech industries in Canada. With over 500 businesses in the area, such as Ericsson, Nokia, Amazon, and Dell, it’s a great place to find a job or that next step in your career journey.

Once you’ve decided where to move in Ottawa in 2022, give us a call at Ottawa Moving Logistics. We’ll help ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible from beginning to end. Whether you’re moving into a big home in Kanata or an apartment in Westboro surrounded by rich conveniences, you’ll experience professional moving services at an affordable rate. Contact us today to learn more.

Do I Need Insurance for My Move?

Not sure if you’re adequately covered for your move? Find out everything you need to know about insurance here for when you use your own vehicle, rent a truck or use a professional moving company.

Using Your Own Vehicle

Do you plan to move your own stuff in a van, big truck, or trailer that you own? If so, it’s important to check your home insurance policy for content coverage before deciding to go this route. If your policy does not have enough coverage, you’ll want to ask your home insurance provider about adding on more. 

Renting A Truck

You should never assume that when you rent a truck, your home insurance policy will cover it or that it will automatically come with the necessary coverages. Always check with your own provider first to find out what is covered before taking additional coverage from the rental company. In the event that you need to purchase supplemental insurance from the rental company, it’s important to know exactly what you need and how much, otherwise you could end up paying more for certain coverages you don’t need.

Professional Movers

Not all moving companies have adequate coverage, so it’s important to ask about their policy. If they’re not covered at all, it’s a bad sign and you should avoid the company altogether. Otherwise, you could be on the hook for damages that they cause. If the moving company does offer insurance, make sure you know exactly how much liability insurance they offer and if they are including replacement protection.

Liability Insurance

When it comes to liability insurance, most offer base liability that will only cover up to a certain amount of damage of each item based on weight (and it’s not much). However, there are few companies that have comprehensive plans that provide much better coverage, so it’s important to ask before agreeing to work with the moving company. 

Replacement Insurance

By law, replacement protection is required to be listed separately. If it’s included in the coverage, they must show what it’s covered for and the client has the right to decline it. If the company does not offer replacement protection, they will list an alternative provider that you can contact to pay for your own. 

There’s a lot you need to know when it comes to moving your belongings. That’s why our team at OML makes sure our clients have all the information they need from beginning to end. We also have a quality insurance plan that gives you the most coverage for your needs. Don’t make the mistake of choosing an amateur moving company to take care of all your belongings, leave it to the pros. 

3 Tips for Moving Your Kids Back from Schooll

With the cost of living being so high, it means many graduates end up moving back home after school until they can find a job and save up enough to afford a place on their own. This can often leave parents in a bit of a pickle, especially if they’ve moved or have already downsized. If you’re moving your kids back from school and aren’t sure what to do, here are 3 tips for a smooth transition.

Create a Space for Them

One of the most cost-effective options is to convert an empty basement into a secondary suite where they can stay for the time being. If that’s not possible, perhaps renovating the garage is. Putting on an addition might seem extreme but if you have an aging parent who plans to move in with you in a few years, now might be the best time to renovate and use it for your child until the time comes.

Make Storage Room

Your college grad will likely be moving home with a lot more stuff than they left with. It should be no surprise that they’ve acquired a lot of things that likely won’t fit in your home including furniture, appliances, and kitchen supplies. So be prepared to make room to store some of their stuff. Start by checking how much available storage room you have and then help them decide on what will fit and what will need to go. If you have limited space, renting a storage locker to house their belongings in might be a good idea until they can move out for good.

Determine How Much Stuff You Will Need To Move

Once they’ve settled on what items they’ll be moving home with, you can then decide on whether you’ll need to rent a van or hire a moving company. Your kid might think it’s best to rent their own truck and have their friends help pack it, but there are many reasons why this could be a bad idea. For one, if their friends break and damage something, it likely won’t be covered under your insurance. Your kid could also be held liable if one of their friends injures themselves during the move. Moving trucks are also difficult to navigate, especially if they’ve never driven one before which can put them and their belongings at risk. It’s always better to hire a moving company who can properly pack the cargo, safely drive the truck, and who will be covered by insurance if anything happens during transit. 

Don’t lose sleep if your kid is moving home after graduation. Call us at Ottawa Moving Logistics if you need to move them back from school. We can help take care of everything from the move to packing and storage. Contact us today to learn more about residential moving services.

5 Tips for A Smooth Transition to A New Neighbourhood

Moving to a new home and neighbourhood is a big change. So, if you or your family feel a little nervous, it’s completely natural. But there are some ways that you can help to make that process easier and more seamless. Here are our tips for a smooth transition to a new neighbourhood and how to get settled faster.

Call and Set Up Your Services

First things first – call well ahead of your moving date to cancel your current services, like internet, cable, and utilities and set them up for your new address. It’s also a good idea to call a week or so before moving just to make sure that everything is set up correctly, so you won’t be left in the dark or without Wi-Fi once you arrive at your new place. Having these taken care of is a good way to ensure your transition to your new neighbourhood starts off on the right foot.

Scope Out the Area

Once you’ve gotten your basic items sorted, get out and take time to explore your new neighbourhood. Find out what amenities are nearby, what the best local establishments are, or if there are any parks in the area for your dog to run around in. Scope it all out to get familiarized and excited about your new neighbourhood. 

Meet the Neighbours

While you’re out getting to know the neighbourhood, stop and introduce yourself to the neighbours. Don’t be afraid to make the first move and knock on their door to say hello. Meeting new people can always feel intimidating, but it can make a world of difference when you have a community to engage and interact within a new area. 

Volunteer

If knocking on your neighbour’s door isn’t your thing, then consider joining a volunteer group, a local workshop or meetup group so you can meet new people and make new friends. This is also a great way to learn more about the area and where the best spots are to check out. 

Do Your Research

Also, don’t forget to take advantage of the Internet! Do some research about the neighbourhood, look for a local Facebook group to introduce yourself online or check out a private social network like nextdoor.com. Libraries and coffee shops are also great hotspots to meet locals and find bulletin boards with upcoming events.

Are you planning an upcoming move? Get professional and reliable services to keep your belongings safe with Ottawa Moving Logistics. Contact us today to get a quote and reserve your date!

Your Guide to Moving in the Summer: 6 Essential Tips and Tricks

As the summer approaches, the most popular moving season starts to kick into full gear. And with so many people relocating during this time of year, you need to be prepared and book your movers well ahead of time. Help make your move easy peasy with our top tips and tricks for moving in the summer.

 

Start As Soon As You Can

The earlier you can start your moving and organizational process, the better. Getting a jump start will give you ample time to sort through your items and figure out what needs to get done so you can be entirely ready for the day of the move. During this initial stage, we recommend starting with a checklist of what needs to get done and prioritizing so you can chip away at it every day.

 

Book With A Reputable Moving Company ASAP

Since summer is the busiest moving season, it means good reputable moving companies will book up fast. So make sure you lock in your date with a top-rated moving company that you can depend on well ahead of the season. Search through reviews online and ask around through family members and friends for recommendations.

 

Mitigate Summer Costs

Since the summer is an easier time to move and people often have more time off of work, it’s also an expensive one since you’re competing with a surge in demand for movers. This can hike up the price and force you to pay more in comparison to offseason. But you can help to manage those expenses by being strategic and smart. Dejunk and get rid of any unused belongings that you have. That way, you’ll only need to move the items you really care about which will also reduce the time and cost to move. You can also set up a garage sale or sell your unwanted stuff online. Get creative to help balance out those higher fees.

 

Be Smart With Your Move-Out Date

It’s important to really consider the timeframe of your move and how it will coincide with the busy summer season. Try to avoid booking your move around the start or end of the summer, and steer clear of the weekends if possible. Scheduling during a weekday around the middle of the month can help you save more.

 

Be Cautious When Moving Heat-Sensitive Items

The temperature can get pretty stifling here in Ottawa, which can end up impacting certain items like any heat-sensitive electronics. So be mindful and keep any sensitive tech gear well protected and away from the blazing sun during the move.

 

Stay Hydrated

Even if you’re not doing much of the moving, it can still take a lot out of you during those hot summer days. Always keep plenty of water on hand to stay safe and hydrated during your summer move.

 

Need reputable movers in the Ottawa area? Ottawa Moving Logistics has you covered! Get the moving service you can count on to keep your belongings safe and your move hassle-free. Contact us today to secure your date for your summer move!

5 Ways Our Home Delivery Services Make Your Life Easier

Looking for a home delivery service that’ll pick up all your belongings, move them in safely, place them exactly where you need them to go, and remove your old belongings? We can help! At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we offer home delivery services to make your life easier. Learn more below.

Saves Time

Don’t have time to run to the department store? No problem, we can do it for you. When you have a busy schedule that’s preventing you from getting what you need, like a new refrigerator, leave it to us to pick it up for you at the retail outlet and deliver it directly to your home.

Saves Money

Our delivery services can also help you save money. Instead of having to rent a utility van or spend extra money driving back and forth to pick up your furniture or appliances, call us instead. We will pick up all your items in one go.

Prevents Injury

If you have a mobility problem or are sick, having a home delivery service can allow you to get what you need without having to leave your home. And, even if you’re a healthy, fit person, carrying large pieces of equipment and furniture can lead to injury, which is why it’s best to leave it to the pros who are trained in moving heavy objects.

Prevents Damage

The average person doesn’t have all the tools on hand to properly secure appliances and furniture during transit. If you attempt to move something without properly securing it, you’ll likely damage the item before it even reaches your home. Also, when you arrive at home, the next challenge is to get it into your home without damaging the item or your walls and floors. That’s where our experts can help.

Prevents Waste

Taking advantage of our home delivery services will save you time and energy while also helping the environment. Instead of throwing your old furniture or appliances to the curb, we’ll take it with us so that it can be donated or recycled. This keeps more waste out of landfills which helps reduce our footprint on the environment.

Whether it’s new hardwood flooring, appliances, living room furniture, or whatever, call us at Ottawa Moving Logistics, and we’ll pick it up directly from the retail outlet and deliver it to your home. To learn more or arrange your next delivery, contact our office, and one of our support staff will be glad to assist you.

How to Stave off Procrastination and Start Prepping for Moving Day

Moving is something that most people only do when they really have to – certainly not because they want to or enjoy the experience. We understand that the hassle of tackling a relocation can be daunting to even think about. That’s why many homeowners often find themselves procrastinating as much as possible until it’s finally crunch time. The problem is at this point, with so much to do and organize, it can quickly turn into a flurry of chaos and stress which could have been avoided.

Learn below how you can stave off procrastination and start prepping for moving day now so you can experience a smooth, stress-free day when your final date rolls around.

Make a Plan

It’s hard to begin anything without a clear-cut plan of what you need to do. And without an idea, you can easily get overwhelmed and succumb to your couch and Netflix. So to help you avoid this situation, start by formulating a plan. Mark off in your calendar how much time you have and then create a list of all the things that you need to do before that date arrives. From there, prioritize your to-do items and try to create a little schedule to help keep yourself on track.

Chip Away at it Each Day

You’ve probably heard it a million times, but that’s because it’s true – start as early as possible. By giving yourself plenty of time to prepare and pack, you can slowly chip away at all of those tasks bit by bit, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. This is especially important if you already have a hectic schedule to juggle.

Make it More Enjoyable

Packing up your home doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. You can make it more enjoyable, or at least less painful to tackle by throwing on your favourite playlist or even putting on your favourite Netflix show to watch while you sort through your old clothing or pack away your drawers. That way you can be productive why also enjoying a little downtime to yourself.

Reward Yourself

Having a reward in place is always a compelling incentive to stave off procrastination and start prepping for the big moving day. This can be something as simple as indulging in a glass of wine once you’re done packing up your bathroom or watching that movie you’ve been dying to see once you’ve crossed off the to-do tasks for the day.

Moving can be a significant pain to endure, but it’s something that needs to be done whether you like it or not. And by getting yourself to chip away at it as early as you can, you’ll be able to sail through the actual moving date with far less stress and hassle. At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we can handle all of your moving-related needs for you – even packing and unpacking! When you need help with your big move, give us a call!

The Most Common Moving Issues

Moving should be just like a well-orchestrated event from beginning to end. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case! Sometimes things go wrong – terribly wrong – which can impact your entire move. That’s why we’re here to show you some of the most common moving issues that we witness on a regular basis so you can learn from and hopefully avoid these problems altogether when it’s time for your move.

Too Few Movers

Some moving companies will underestimate the load and only send two movers when you really need four. The result can equate to a rushed job with broken and damaged items. It’s also likely to result in increased transit times, which can create delivery issues for clients.

Improper Packing

One of the most common faults experienced when moving is a lack of proper preparation and packing beforehand. If items are not grouped together properly (delicates, clothes, dishes, etc.), then damages can occur as a result of mismatched weights. The moving process can even become delayed if there are overstuffed/oversized boxes or poorly packed boxes to deal with.

Over-Booking

During the busy summer season, there are a lot of requests for moves. So it’s easy for a company to take advantage by double booking two moves in a day. This can lead to extreme delays, last minute cancellations and even the need to hire temporary employees that are untrained.

Unprepared House

If you’re moving cross-border, it’s likely that you won’t be able to inspect the house before you move. However, if you show up and there is still furniture that needs to be moved or a big mess left over from previous owners, it can cause delays and issues for your movers.

Damaged Goods

You might think that you’re saving money but using a discount service could cost you more in the long-run. There are many discount moving services out there, but it’s always a risk to use one. They often are staffed with inexperienced movers who don’t have the proper training, equipment or insurance coverages to ensure your valuable items are protected. That’s why it’s always wise to use a professional moving service with a well-established reputation.

Our moving service never sacrifices on value – ever. At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we always take the necessary steps to properly plan and prepare your move and to help you avoid any of these common moving issues. To find out more about our services, contact us directly, and we’ll be happy to help.

How to Smoothly Perform a Winter Move

Moving in the wintertime has lots of advantages, but if you’re not fully prepared, it can also have quite a few setbacks. To ensure your move is safe and timely, it’s always wise to be aware of any potential issues in advance so you can take necessary precautions to avoid them.

Here are five ways you can smoothly perform a winter move with little hassle.

Clear Away Any Snow

It’s important to have shovels on hand to remove any snow and ice along pathways leading to your home before the movers arrive. Slippery conditions can result in damaged goods and also injured movers. So always ensure that any walkways and stairs are cleared and salted so that dollies, carts, and movers can move about without the risk of falling.

Winterize Your New Home

Before you move into your new home, you should arrange to have it winterized and prepped in advanced. Something people commonly forget is to have the heat and electricity arranged and turned on a few days before arrival. There’s nothing worse than being stuck without any heat during the winter, even for a few days. So this is an important one to remember!

It’s also imperative to arrange for the snow to be cleared away with salted pathways to make it safe and easy for movers to transport your items into your new home. If you’re moving out of town, ask the rental agent to help you winterize your new home before you arrive, or talk to your moving company about what they offer in regards to this.

Protect Your Home

You can use cardboard, plastic sheeting, and old strips of carpet to protect your flooring and carpets from water and salt. Just make sure that the protective layer is taped down so that no one trips on any loose edges.

Bundle Up

Moving can take a few hours, and when you’re constantly moving from the warm indoors to the cold outdoors, you could become susceptible to exhaustion and even frostbite if you don’t bundle up properly. Make sure to wear appropriate gear to stay warm. It’s also helpful to have some hot beverages on hand to keep everyone warm when it’s time for a break.

Leave It To The Professionals

When it comes to moving, the pros have the experience to get the job done safely during the wintertime. They have all the equipment, supplies, and materials to safeguard your belongings and prevent injuries. So let the professionals do the work and take care of the process for you.

Have A Backup Plan

Always have a backup plan in case a storm blows in. Talk to the moving company to find out what their policies are about weather conditions and rescheduling. You should also talk to your realtor in advance about what to do in case of bad weather. You may be able to arrange a few extra days between your scheduled move for any last-minute problems.

If you’re wondering how to perform a winter move smoothly, our team At Ottawa Moving Logistics can help. Our team of expert movers is fully trained and insured to move you and your belongings in the wintertime with safely, efficiently and without any hassle. Contact us today to learn more.

What Should You Ask your Potential Movers

Getting ready to hire a moving company and not sure what you should ask? Not asking the right questions could leave you with costly regrets. No two moving companies are exactly alike, so you want to make sure you find the most reliable, professional, and affordable service out there for your move.

Here are 5 questions you should have lined up to ask your potential movers before making a decision.

Can You Provide a List of References?

Doing basic research online to ascertain a company’s credentials won’t always provide you with an accurate or clear picture of their performance. You should also ask around through your family, friends, and coworkers to hear their direct experience and recommendations. Your background check should also be supplemented by asking for a list of references. A mover’s willingness to provide you with some references, along with basic info like how long they’ve been in business for, can highlight their trustworthiness, reliability, and professionalism.

What are your Costs and Fees?

Don’t be afraid to ask for a full list of all their costs including any potential hidden fees and how your type of move will be billed – per weight, per hour, or per volume, for instance. You should also inquire about any potential expenses that you are required to cover, like driver’s lodgings, food, and gas.  If the pricing seems acceptable to you and you would like to proceed, ask for a binding estimate to see if they will agree to the rate in advance of the move, providing you with some protection.

What Kind of Protection Do You Offer?

Before you sign anything, you should also question how the movers will safeguard your belongings. Ask what types of equipment and tools they use, what coverings and materials they offer, what their insurance policy and claims process is, and how they protect their workers in case of injury. You don’t want to be liable for anyone being injured on your property. Plus, it’s important to know if the company will be liable for any damaged goods in relation to their wrongdoing.

How Long Will the Move Take?

If you’re moving to another city or across borders, you should ask how long it’s expected to take. Don’t forget to inquire if there could be any potential holdups with customs or border crossings. Knowing all of the fine details in regards to timing before you hire a mover can help you better plan for the closing date and any necessary lodging expenses.

Do You Offer any Extra Services?

It doesn’t hurt to ask if they have any extra services such as packing or unpacking. Getting an idea of what is available can help you find the best moving company for your specific needs.

When you have moving questions, we are always willing to answer them honestly. At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we take pride in our expert, professional, and reliable moving services. Call us today and ask away!